Highlights
The Sims 5 should consider removing stuff packs as they can be expensive for players, with a total of $200 spent on DLC for the current game.
The inclusion of stuff packs in The Sims 5 has the potential to restrict the co-op experience and deter potential players if the implementations are rushed or poorly executed.
Rather than offering stuff packs, an alternative approach for The Sims 5 could be to introduce in-game currencies that allow players to acquire new furniture and appliances, as well as unlock new areas and features, thus revitalizing the series.
Stuff packs have been a longstanding feature in The Sims franchise, but their introduction has been met with criticism. While some fans enjoy the content, it comes at a price. Each stuff pack is priced at $10, and as players purchase more, the costs begin to accumulate. With 19 stuff packs currently available, players have spent approximately $200 on DLC.
For Maxis' new project, Project Rene/The Sims 5, there is a belief that stuff packs should be eliminated altogether. If included in The Sims 5, stuff packs should not require payment from players. The game itself will generate significant revenue for EA, given its association with the immensely popular Sims game line. Expansion packs, on the other hand, provide enough value to justify their cost and should remain an option for players to spend money on. Stuff packs, in contrast, have limited appeal and cater to specific desires.
Why The Sims 5 Should Skip Stuff Packs
The developer of The Sims 5 has expressed the importance of being cautious when introducing additional content to their co-op game. They understand that reckless additions may restrict what friends can do together while playing. The inclusion of multiplayer in The Sims 5 has raised concerns among some players about the potential changes to the franchise, and thus, stuff packs should not add to these fears. While change may unsettle longtime fans, a rushed or subpar game, or even unfavorable additions, could deter potential players altogether.
In order to address this, The Sims 5 should approach stuff packs from a fresh perspective, which means not including them at all. Stuff packs have a reputation for appealing to a niche market, reaching only a limited audience. While dedicated players who purchase all of The Sims' offerings would buy them without hesitation, not everyone is willing to invest over $200 in DLC. Fortunately, The Sims 5 has already announced itself as a free-to-play game overall. However, making the base game free is not the final step in enhancing accessibility. The removal of stuff packs entirely may be the ultimate measure to achieve this goal.
Removing stuff packs does not mean never receiving small batches of new content. Instead of microtransactions, the game could introduce in-game currencies for players to purchase new furniture and appliances. Many games similar to The Sims 4 already do this, so the franchise should take inspiration from them if they are looking to take a new direction with their latest addition. Adding new areas, such as stalls in parks or malls, would bring a refreshing change to the series.
The idea of allowing players to explore multiple shops and plazas, similar to real life experiences, would be exhilarating. This new direction would deviate from the typical The Sims game and give it a fresh look. A new game is the perfect opportunity for The Sims to start afresh. Players should not feel obligated to buy any expansion packs that are offered with this new game.
Players eagerly anticipate the new game, Project Rene/The Sims 5, and should stay updated on its progress. With each advancement made by Maxis and EA, more information will be disclosed, bringing fans closer to the game's release and potentially shedding light on the inclusion of stuff packs. The Sims 5 is currently being developed.